Japan Could Soon Become The Newest And Most Voracious Arms Buyer On The Planet

The Philippines would support Japan dropping its pacifist constitution to become a fully fledged military force and act as a balance against a rising China, a government spokesman said Monday.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said the Philippines would strongly support a rearmed Japan -- its World War II foe -- as a counterweight to what it sees as Chinese provocation.

"We are looking for balancing factors in the region and Japan could be a significant balancing factor," he told the paper amid growing tensions over the South China Sea, almost all of which is claimed by China.

Foreign department spokesman Raul Hernandez confirmed the government's view that Japan should upgrade its military from a self defence force so that it has more freedom to operate in the region.

4. There's certain things they hold back on due to our treaty with them

5. The only other thing I can think of are cruise and ballistic missiles

but even then, their warships are now built with vertical launch systems that can handle Tomahawk missiles. They could have an operational capability in a very short while.

Their air force already has an aerial refueling capability, they are building small aircraft carriers and calling them destroyers, and they are building subs with air independent propulsion systems. Toss in Aegis destroyers and AWACS aircraft and they could take on the Chinese navy and air force if needed.